During sleep, the brain remains active.
However, we can overwork the brain and body by bringing stress from the day into our sleep.
Then we carry it around with us the next day and the next day, and before we know it, stress has taken real estate in the mind and body. But we don't have to wait until the pressure feels so intertwined with our life. So before it does, take a mental health day.
Things to do
Rest. Lay in bed without the intention of necessarily going to sleep, watching tv—just rest.
Set boundaries - at work, at home, with yourself. Determine a time to stop, walk away from your work, and stick to it.
Do something you enjoy - read a book, play a game, watch a movie.
Plan & tackle - Schedule time to tackle urgent and essential tasks. Create the get-out-of-debt plan, schedule your long-awaited doctor's appointment, etc.
In today's world, being the person you want to be can be challenging when outside forces expect something different from you or when people depend on you. We can even stress from carrying someone else's stress. But, whatever it may be, you're not alone, even when it feels like it. And when in doubt, pause and take a mental health day.